Everything evolves, education needs to evolve and adapt.
Voice: “John, can you tell me why is important to learn Social Studies?
John: [with disdain] “Don’t bother me”
Voice: “I don’t know, because we have to?”
This scenario is a typical situation in every day school. Our students do not care for learning and use their digital devices for entertainment only.
Any teacher and any parent can relate to this situation and also almost every parent. Teachers now a days, we struggle to keep our students engaged, to make them willing to learn and be accountable for their own learning.
To do this, we teachers, as being part of the current education system, we need to embrace change. We need to see that all around us things are evolving. From cars, phones, scientific discoveries to psychology, sociology; everything changes, even our students! But why education not? Why education is seen by students as something dull or boring? Why should they pay attention if they can find anything they want on their phones, tablets, computers?
Well, I think they are right. How can we teachers compete with “funny stuff” and really “challenging” You Tube challenges? How can we compete against Twitter or Instagram? Well, I believe is not about competing, but adapting. When we teachers accept that this is not a battle, it is something that is happening, we will be able to make our lessons engaging and where our students will learn beyond hard facts. As some of the authors I researched had stated it.
Today, the person that knows everything is not the one that gets the best job, or more recognition. Today, all the information is in our hands. So, what is going on?
Well, that is the whole thing! Today’s information is already given out processed to our students. Our students do not know how to use their hand tool. They see it as a simple entertainer and friend communicator.
On my plan and implementation outline I will take baby steps to reach out to other teachers. I will share my passion and invite them to this path. A path of regaining students’ attention and engagement. A path where we are going to create critical thinkers and we will be using the same tools students use to entertain themselves. But in this case, will be with a dedicated purpose by using coding and creativity apps.
We will create students that will be able trace their own paths, successful students, in all areas, from academic to all personal aspects. I want to be part of this amazing responsibility of shaping men and women that can use any tool at hand and solve problems in their home, work and their community. I want to share with everyone that wants to join this wagon.
Would you join me in this journey?
Digital Learning Mindset 